Before Nineside stepped into the studio, he was chasing something entirely different — Olympic glory. As a two-time All-American track athlete, his life revolved around discipline, training, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Competing at a high level taught him structure, resilience, and consistency. At the time, music was present but secondary, overshadowed by the singular focus of athletic achievement.
Then the world slowed down.
During the pandemic, with routines disrupted and space to reflect, Nineside found himself gravitating back toward music. What began as exploration gradually turned into clarity. The same dedication that once fueled his Olympic aspirations began pouring into songwriting and recording. At first, pursuing a career in music felt even more intimidating than professional sports. But the more he leaned into it, the more natural it became.
By 2023, he made a definitive choice — he was all in.
Creatively, Nineside approaches music with instinct rather than rigidity. He doesn’t box himself into prewritten verses or formulas. Instead, he allows production to spark inspiration. A beat sets the mood, and from there, the energy flows organically. That freedom allows his music to feel honest and emotionally grounded, shaped by feeling rather than forced structure.
His influences are wide-ranging, spanning hip-hop greats like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, OutKast, Lil Wayne, and T.I., as well as genre-bending artists such as Hall & Oates, ConFunkShun, and Herbie Hancock. Rather than mimic those inspirations, he studies the imagery and emotion they evoke — then filters that understanding through his own lens.
For listeners new to his catalog, tracks like “Mean to Me” and “Cinema” offer insight into his evolution. “Mean to Me” marked the first time he felt fully aligned with his sound, while “Cinema” reflects a matured artist stepping confidently into his identity. His earlier project, Vibrancy, represents a key turning point — the moment when vision and direction began to crystallize.
Beyond artistry, Nineside’s journey is deeply personal. The greatest challenge he has faced hasn’t been industry competition — it has been internal growth. Staying true to himself while developing in an environment often dominated by imitation and distraction has required constant self-awareness. That inner discipline, shaped during his years as an athlete, continues to guide him.
Fatherhood further sharpened that focus. The birth of his daughter intensified his purpose, adding depth to his ambition and redefining what success means. Music became more than expression — it became legacy.
When reflecting on the current state of hip-hop, Nineside sees both saturation and opportunity. While trends cycle quickly, he believes authenticity and respect for the craft still create space for longevity. His aim isn’t to chase what’s popular — it’s to contribute meaningfully to the culture.
As he continues building momentum, Nineside is focused on consistency. He understands that greatness isn’t defined by one moment but by sustained growth. Whether on stage or in the studio, he carries the same discipline that once prepared him for Olympic competition — now redirected toward center stage.
For Nineside, the path may have shifted, but the mindset remains the same: commit fully, grow continuously, and honor the craft every step of the way.
